(Sacramento, CA) – Following the press conference held today in the City of Vallejo regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, June 2, Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) released the following statement:
“I was shaken to learn that Sean Monterrosa, the man who was shot by officers, died. Regardless of circumstances, it is absolutely unacceptable that the public was forced to wait for over 24 hours to learn of the conditions of those involved in the shooting.
“I believe an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday must be conducted by the California Attorney General’s office or a federal agency. The family of Sean Monterrosa and our community in Vallejo deserve to have clear information about the events that occurred and the response from the Vallejo Police Department. Our community is in pain and we must look for ways to both heal and move towards meaningful change. In a time of nationwide grieving for George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by police, it is especially important that incidents involving the deadly use of force by the police are handled with transparency and great care.
“Last year, I was proud to join my colleagues in passing historic legislation to limit police officer use of deadly force to when it is necessary, and to have co-authored legislation to require police officers receive training on use-of-force and de-escalation techniques. However, I know that we must continue to do more. I am actively holding and planning meetings with justice reform groups, members of our community, and other stakeholders to better learn where change is needed, and I will continue to support policies that will work to make our communities safe for all who live here. To those in our community who are in pain right now, please know that I hear you and see you, and that I am standing with you in the fight for justice.”
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Tim Grayson represents the 14th Assembly District that includes the communities of Benicia, Concord, Clayton, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Vallejo, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek. For more information please visit the Assemblymember’s website, www.assembly.ca.gov/a14.